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Which sounds might you expect to hear when you auscultate a patient with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)?

A) Wheezing sounds
B) High-pitched sounds
C) Crackling or gurgling sounds
D) Normal heart sounds

User Yatanadam
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

When auscultating a patient with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), you would expect to hear crackling or gurgling sounds, known as rales or bibasilar crackles. Wheezing sounds and high-pitched sounds are not typically associated with CHF. In addition to crackling or gurgling sounds, abnormal heart sounds such as S3 or S4 may also be present.

Step-by-step explanation:

When auscultating a patient with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), you would expect to hear crackling or gurgling sounds. These sounds, known as rales or bibasilar crackles, are caused by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs due to the heart's decreased ability to pump blood effectively. The crackling sounds are heard as the air passes through the fluid-filled airways.

It is important to note that wheezing sounds and high-pitched sounds are not typically associated with CHF. Wheezing is more commonly associated with conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). High-pitched sounds may indicate airway obstruction or narrowing.

In addition to crackling or gurgling sounds, you may also hear abnormal heart sounds such as S3 or S4, which can indicate ventricular dysfunction or a stiffened heart muscle.